Multi-property characterization chamber for geophysical-hydrological investigations of hydrate bearing sediments
- National Energy Technology Laboratory, U.S. Department of Energy, Morgantown, West Virginia 26507 (United States)
With the increase in the interest of producing natural gas from methane hydrates as well as potential risks of massive hydrate dissociation in the context of global warming, studies have recently shifted from pure hydrate crystals to hydrates in sediments. Such a research focus shift requires a series of innovative laboratory devices that are capable of investigating various properties of hydrate-bearing sediments (HBS). This study introduces a newly developed high pressure testing chamber, i.e., multi-property characterization chamber (MPCC), that allows simultaneous investigation of a series of fundamental properties of HBS, including small-strain stiffness (i.e., P- and S-waves), shear strength, large-strain deformation, stress-volume responses, and permeability. The peripheral coolant circulation system of the MPCC permits stable and accurate temperature control, while the core holder body, made of aluminum, enables X-ray computer tomography scanning to be easily employed for structural and morphological characterization of specimens. Samples of hydrate-bearing sediments are held within a rubber sleeve inside the chamber. The thick sleeve is more durable and versatile than thin membranes while also being much softer than oedometer-type chambers that are incapable of enabling flow tests. Bias introduced by the rubber sleeve during large deformation tests are also calibrated both theoretically and experimentally. This system provides insight into full characterization of hydrate-bearing sediments in the laboratory, as well as pressure core technology in the field.
- OSTI ID:
- 22320363
- Journal Information:
- Review of Scientific Instruments, Vol. 85, Issue 8; Other Information: (c) 2014 U.S. Government; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0034-6748
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
46 INSTRUMENTATION RELATED TO NUCLEAR SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
COMPUTERIZED TOMOGRAPHY
CRYSTALS
DEFORMATION
DISSOCIATION
GAS HYDRATES
GREENHOUSE EFFECT
METHANE
NATURAL GAS
P WAVES
PERMEABILITY
PHOTON TRANSMISSION SCANNING
PRESSURE RANGE MEGA PA 10-100
RUBBERS
S WAVES
SEDIMENTS
SHEAR PROPERTIES
STRAINS
STRESSES
TESTING
X RADIATION